The boys track team would usually be at the end of its season, but with sports switching seasons this year, the track team has just gotten things started in a big way and is looking to continue its success.

“(We just started competing last week): Started the season off 2-0 in the conference and third place at the Ram Invite on 5/1/21. We’ve also had several athletes break their personal bests in some events,” said head coach Anthony DeStephano.

Boys track has come out in a big way to start the season with a positive team record and athletes already beating their own personal records (PRs) in the first two weeks. Team and individual goals are already set, and future goals include placing in upcoming meets. 

“Try to place in the top 3 at the conference meet, everyone set multiple personal bests in their events, and have athletes qualify for the IHSA State Championship” DeStephano said. 

With the way the Knights have started, their postseason odds look to be heading in the right direction with continuing hard work and determination. 

Junior runner Armani Diaz already set the stage at the beginning of the season.

 “I won a few races and got medals for being top 5 in my invite races. I want to PR in the 1600m, 800m, and 32000m, and team goals are to win an invite and/or get top 3 in conference,” Diaz said. 

With all these high hopes and long-term goals, continuing to run into the summertime may be a challenge. 

“It will affect the athletes in the way that maybe some of them are not used to running in the summer when it’s 80 and the sun is shining down at you, so feeling more dehydrated is more common,” said senior long distance runner Oscar Covarrubias.

Lastly, having a final season for the seniors is crucial.

“I feel better because I really enjoy running and being with the team. The pandemic might have canceled my last season, but it did not as I still can reach my goal in getting all-conference in cross country and track in the same year. I would say being back on track does make it feel more normal because being able to go back to practice after school and seeing my friends/teammates has made things a lot normal,”  Covarrubias said.

The Grayslake North Knights share a common mindset, focused on their end season goals after a fantastic start these past couple weeks, as well as continuing to enjoy the sport as it is the last year for some to participate.